Intraoperative Wound Lavage System for Deep Neck Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Introduction Multiple solutions are currently used to cleanse a deep neck infection (DNI), and a variety of devices are available to deliver wound irrigation solutions. An essential difference between these devices is the pressure that the irrigation solution exerts over the wound tissue. Objective To compare low-pressure and high-pressure irrigation delivery systems for wound cleansing in DNI. Methods we designed a retrospective cohort study and reviewed the medical records of patients operated on due to DNI from June 2016 to December 2017 at our institution. One cohort included patients treated with an intraoperative irrigation method that exerts low pressure over the irrigated tissue, and the other cohort, to a system capable of generating higher pressure. The Pearson Chi-squared test was used to analyze the data. Results A total of 42 patients whose ages ranged from 16 months to 72 years were included. The low-pressure irrigation system was used in 18 patients, and the high-pressure system was used in 24 patients. No statistical differences were observed regarding the irrigation methods, the complexity of the DNI, and the overall outcomes. Conclusions The present is the first study in which low- and high-pressure systems for wound lavage were evaluated in the treatment of DNI. When comparing these methods, we did not find one to be superior to the other; however, the additional cost associated with the high-pressure devices may not justify their in head and neck procedures.

Clinical characteristics for conservative therapy of pediatric parapharyngeal abscesses / Características clínicas para tratamento conservador em abscessos parafaríngeos pediátricos

Abstract Introduction The role of surgical drainage versus conservative therapy in treating patients with parapharyngeal abscesses is still a theme of debate. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the characteristics associated with good outcomes in pediatric patients with parapharyngeal abscesses treated with conservative therapy. Methods This retrospective chart review was performed on children aged 0.3-14 years with the diagnosis of parapharyngeal abscesses confirmed by computed tomography from January 2013 to March 2018. Patients with a severe upper airway obstruction required early intervention, while those in a stable condition initially received conservative therapy with antibiotics. If the patients appeared unlikely to recover, additional surgical drainage was provided. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to investigate the clinical characteristics associated with a good response to conservative therapy. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the age and abscess size cutoff for predicting a successful response. Results A total of 48 children were included in the study. Patient age, antecedent illness, and abscess size were significantly associated with a response to therapy (Odds Ratio = 1.326, 2.314 and 1.235, respectively). The age cutoff associated with the conservative therapy was 4.2 years (76.9% sensitivity, 68.2% specificity), and the abscess size cutoff associated with the conservative therapy was 23 mm (84.6% sensitivity, 77.3% specificity). Conclusion The findings suggested that younger age, smaller abscess size, and less frequent antecedent illnesses, such as upper respiratory tract infection and lymphadenitis, could predict a successful response to conservative therapy in pediatric patients with parapharyngeal abscesses.

Resumo Introdução O papel da drenagem cirúrgica versus tratamento conservador na abordagem de pacientes com abscessos parafaríngeos ainda é uma questão controversa. Objetivo Investigar as características associadas a um bom desfecho em pacientes pediátricos com abscessos parafaríngeos tratados com terapia conservadora. Método Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários feita em crianças de 14 anos com diagnóstico de abscesso parafaríngeo confirmado por tomografia computadorizada de janeiro de 2013 a março de 2018. Pacientes com obstrução grave das vias aéreas superiores necessitaram de intervenção precoce, enquanto aqueles em estado inicialmente estável receberam tratamento conservador com antibióticos. Se a recuperação dos pacientes parecesse improvável, drenagem cirúrgica adicional era feita. Modelos de regressão logística multivariada foram construídos para investigar as características clínicas associadas a uma boa resposta a terapia conservadora. Uma curva ROC, ou seja, característica de operação do receptor, foi usada para identificar a idade e o tamanho do abscesso com o intuito de prever uma resposta bem-sucedida. Resultados Foram incluídas no estudo 48 crianças. Idade do paciente, doenças respiratórias prévias e comorbidades e tamanho do abscesso foram significantemente associados à resposta terapêutica. (odds ratio = 1.326, 2.314 e 1.235, respectivamente). O ponto de corte da idade associado à terapia conservadora foi de 4,2 anos (sensibilidade de 76,9%, especificidade de 68,2%) e o ponto de corte do tamanho do abscesso associado à terapia conservadora foi de 23 mm (sensibilidade de 84,6%, especificidade de 77,3%). Conclusão Os achados sugerem que idade mais jovem, menor tamanho de abscesso e menor frequência de doença comuns, como infecção do trato respiratório superior e linfadenite, podem prever uma resposta bem-sucedida à terapia conservadora em pacientes pediátricos com abscessos parafaríngeos.

A Case of Cervical Pott's Disease Presenting as Huge Retropharyngeal Abscess / 대한이비인후과학회지

Tuberculous spondylitis, also known as Pott's disease, is a disease involving the spine with progressive destruction. It most commonly involves the thoracic and lumbosacral spine and may result in severe deformity or neurologic deficit. Although cervical spine involvement is rare, it can cause life threatening event. Recently, 70-year-old man presented with progressive dyspnea and dysphagia. Physical examination and radiologic studies showed a huge retropharyngeal abscess with bony erosion and sclerotic change at the adjacent cervical spine. After incision and drainage, it was finally confirmed as a tuberculous abscess. Herein, we report our experience with literature review.

Tracheal Infection Resulting from High Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure in an Unconscious Patient with Brain Trauma / 대한신경손상학회지

Deep neck infections (DNIs) are mainly caused by dental caries, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis; however, DNIs can also occur after head and neck trauma. A 79-year-old male patient underwent a craniectomy due to an acute subdural hematoma. The patient was unconscious and continued to have a fever, but no clear cause was found. On postoperative day 9, he suddenly showed redness and swelling on the anterior neck. Enhanced computed tomography of the pharynx revealed tracheal necrosis and an abscess in the surrounding area. An incision and drainage were performed and Enterobacter aerogenes and E. faecalis were identified. The infection was controlled after antibiotic treatment. High endotracheal tube cuff pressure was suspected as the cause of the tracheal infection. Although DNIs are difficult to predict in patients who cannot report their symptoms due to unconsciousness, prevention and rapid diagnosis are important, as DNIs have serious side effects.

Usefulness of Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy in the Treatment of Esophageal Perforation Following Thyroidectomy / 대한이비인후과학회지

Perforation of the cervical esophagus after thyroidectomy is a rare complication. Esophageal perforation is usually treated conservatively with simple surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotic therapy. If complicated by abscess, it needs aggressive surgery including resection and anastomosis. But the aggressive treatments mentioned have low success and high morbidity. Herein, we report a patient with complicated deep neck infection caused by esophageal perforation following thyroidectomy, which was successfully treated with multiple vacuum-assisted closure and intravenous antibiotic therapy after the failure of simple suture and simple drainage as conservative managements.

Clinical Characteristics of Acute Pediatric Neck Infection and Predictive Factors of Abscess Formation / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Abscess of neck is a life-threatening disease in children. Detection of abscess is important because it is essential for the determination of surgical drainage. However, clinical diagnosis is difficult, because children are seldom able to verbalize their symptoms or cooperate with physical examination. This study aims to review the clinical characteristics of 157 pediatric patients with neck inflammation and investigate the relative risk factors for abscess. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Pediatric patients who were admitted to Dongguk University Hospital from January 2005 to July 2014 with acute neck inflammation were reviewed. All 157 pediatric patients were divided into two groups, based on radiologic findings with and without neck abscess. RESULTS: Of 157 patients, 53 children were diagnosed with neck abscess, and peritonsillar abscess was the most common type of neck abscess followed by submandibular abscess, retro·parapharyngeal abscess and posterior triangle & other abscess. The dominant pathogens, staphylococcal infection (≤2 yr) and streptococcal infection (>3 yr), was different for the different age group. The abscess group except for peritonsillar abscess was characterized by younger age, higher heart rate and WBC count, and longer hospital days than those without abscess (p=0.026, 0.026, <0.001, 0.007 respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed younger age (≤24 mo) and higher heart rate were independent predictors for abscess formation (odds ratio: 3.022, 2.923). CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients with high heart rate & younger age are at risk for abscess formation; meticulous care and early imaging work up are required in younger children with deep neck infection, and especially with higher heart rate.

Occurrence of bilateral pneumothorax during tracheostomy in a patient with deep neck infection

Infection that progresses to deep areas of the neck requires appropriate assessment of the airway, and securing of the airway is critical in patients with deep neck infection. In the patient in our case report, bilateral pneumothorax occurred while performing tracheostomy to the airways of a patient with deep neck infection, and therefore, this paper details the method used to secure the airway of patients with deep neck infection.

Occurrence of bilateral pneumothorax during tracheostomy in a patient with deep neck infection

Infection that progresses to deep areas of the neck requires appropriate assessment of the airway, and securing of the airway is critical in patients with deep neck infection. In the patient in our case report, bilateral pneumothorax occurred while performing tracheostomy to the airways of a patient with deep neck infection, and therefore, this paper details the method used to secure the airway of patients with deep neck infection.

Application of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Deep Neck Infection / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has been used in many surgery to treat complicated wound and impaired wound healing by delivering negative pressure at the wound site through a patented dressing, which helps draw wound edges together, remove infectious materials, and actively promote granulation at the cellular level. Recently application of NPWT has been increased to treat deep neck infection. We aimed to retrieve indications and guidelines to treat deep neck infection from our cases and after reviewing articles. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: From our experience with 9 cases presented as deep neck abscess in which the application of a Vacuum-assisted closure device was used instead of common drainage tubes after surgical evacuation and journal review, indications and guidelines to apply NPWT as one of the tools to treat deep neck infection were retrieved. RESULTS: Indication and Guideline of NPWT. 1) For simple abscess involving single space excepting the mediastinum, intravenous administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, needle aspiration or simple surgical drainage is recommended. 2) In the case of failure of previous treatments, NPWT will be necessary for immunocompromised hosts such as diabetic patients for whom more than two spaces are involved, the mediastinal involvement, compromised airway or disseminated intravascular coagulation. In severe cases involving the chest, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or mediastinoscopy could be used. 3) For patients with improving signs such as decreasing pus, increasing granulation formation, negative culture results from sponge, and normalized C-reactive protein, we can stop NPWT and convert to the regular wound care. CONCLUSION: Indication and Guideline of NPWT could be applied to treat deep neck infection.

A Rare Case of Iatrogenic Deep Neck Infection Secondary to Hypopharyngeal Injury Caused by the Transesophageal Echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered relatively safe but semi-invasive. The hypopharyngeal and esophageal injury is infrequent complication of TEE but could be serious, even life-threatening. We present a case of a 74-year-old man who experienced a deep neck infection secondary to hypopharyngeal injury following TEE. The diagnosis was made because of the subcutaneous emphysema developed 3 hours after TEE. In spite of antibiotics therapy with prolonged fasting, a right parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess was developed 5 days later. With ultrasound-guided drainage of abscess and continuous antibiotic treatment, infection was controlled. The patent underwent mitral valve repair after 14 days of antibiotic therapy. The patient recovered uneventfully. For cardiologists performing TEE, it is required to know complications and their risk factors to minimize hypopharyngeal and esophageal injury.

Usefulness of the Modified LRINEC Score in the Treatment of Patient with Deep Neck Infection / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Deep neck infection can occur at any age and is a potentially life-threatening diseases. However, an early recognition of aggravating infections is clinically difficult. In this study, we aimed to determine the Modified Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (M-LRINEC) scores to predict aggravating deep neck infections. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed 72 patients with deep neck infection from January 2010 and December 2012 in a tertiary hospital. Differences in patient characteristics, radiographic findings, LRINEC scores, and M-LRINE scores were compared between the non-surgical group and the surgical group. RESULTS: The mean M-LRINEC scores were 4.35 and 1.39 in the surgical group and non-surgical group, respectively. Significant differences between the two groups were found in age, size of abscess, multiple spaces involvement, air collection, and mediastinitis. CONCLUSION: The M-LRINEC score is an useful indicator that signals the need to initiate early surgery and also to predict aggravating deep neck infections.

A Case of Ludwig’s Angina: Life Threatening Deep Neck Infection Presenting with Unusual Symptoms of Chest Pain.

Ludwig’s angina is a potentially lethal deep neck infection associated with rapid airway obstruction due to swelling of the neck, tongue and submandibular areas. Despite the name, it has no relation to angina pectoris. We report a case of an 80-year-old gentleman who presented with the unusual symptom of chest pain and previous history of diabetes mellitus and treated lymphoma, who was later diagnosed with Ludwig’s angina. Despite of early intravenous antibiotics, airway support and intensive care treatment patient died within 24 hours. This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion for Ludwig’s angina in patients with chest pain and neck swelling, as although it’s lethal condition but early, rapid and aggressive intervention can save lives.

Characteristics of Deep Neck Infection in Children According to Weight Percentile

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of weight percentile on deep neck infections in children. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 79 patients who were treated for deep neck infections. The patients were divided into six groups according to weight percentile. Patients who had systemic and/or congenital disease were excluded. Their demographics, etiology, localization, laboratory, and treatment results were reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 79 pediatric patients were recorded: 48.1% were females and 51.9% were males, with a mean age of 7.3 years. In total, 60 patients were under the 50th percentile according to their weight versus all children. The anteroposterior triangle (29.1%) and submandibular (26.5%) spaces were most commonly involved with deep neck infection. However, the anteroposterior triangle space was the highest in the group below the 3rd percentile (44.4%). In the blood analysis, white blood cell levels in patients with at percentile values of 75-50 were higher than other groups (P<0.05). Significant differences were found between C-reactive protein and hemoglobin levels and diameter of abscesses. The need for surgical drainage in patients in lower percentiles was higher. The patients who needed surgical drainage consisted of 56 patients (93.3%) below the 50th percentile and 9 patients (100%) below the 3rd percentile. CONCLUSION: Deep neck infection is more insidious and dangerous in low-weight-percentile children, especially those having low white blood cell counts, low hemoglobin levels, and high C-reactive protein in laboratory results.

Incidentally Discovered Deep Neck Infection in a Septic Patient / 대한구급학회지

We incidentally discovered a case of deep neck infection during the treatment of a patient who presented with complaints of decreased consciousness, abdominal distension, and electrolyte imbalance. The patient had neither clinical symptoms nor radiologic findings indicative of deep neck infection; rather, the findings indicated intra-abdominal sepsis and adrenal crisis, for which the symptomatic treatment was provided. When the expected improvement was not observed, we retrospectively reviewed the patient's test records and discovered deep neck infection. Empiric parenteral antibiotic therapy and infection source control, as appropriate for this patient, were administered within 72 hours of hospital admission, without which the condition may have proved fatal. In this report we discuss the best approach for the management of unresolved infectious disease and review the clinical features of deep neck infection.

A Case of Intramuscular Abscess in the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle after Intramuscular Stimulation(IMS)

PURPOSE: Intramuscular stimulation(IMS) shows good results in the treatment of chronic pain patients who did not respond to other treatments such as oral analgesics, trigger point injection, nerve block and epidural steroid injection. But, IMS procedure especially, patients with diabetes mellitus(DM) has sometimes serious problem. So, we present a very rare case of intramuscular abscess in the sternocleiomastoid muscle after IMS with literature review. METHODS: A 66 year old male visited our department 7 days after IMS in the neck. His premorbid conditions and risk factors of deep neck infection was DM and old age. Computed tomographic scans of the head and neck region were performed in this patient: signs of deep neck infection, were seen enhanced abscess in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, cellulitis overlying tissue of the neck, and air bubbles involved muscle. Necrotic wound was excised serially and we treated this with the Vacuum-assisted closure(VAC, Kinetics Concepts International, San Antonio, Texas) system device. After appropriately shaping the sponge in the pockets, continuous negative pressure of 125mmHg was applied. The VAC therapy was utilized for a period of 12 days. RESULTS: We obtained satisfactory results from wide excision, drainage of the abscess with the VAC system, and then primary closure. The postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: We suggest that many of the infectious complications may be preventable by strict adherence to aseptic techniques and that some of the other complications may be minimized by refining the techniques with a clear understanding of the medical disorders of patients. And, the refined technique using the VAC system can provide a means of simple and effective management for the cervical intramuscular abscess, with better cosmetic and functional results.

THE SUPERFICIAL AND DEEP SPREADING PATHWAYS OF INFECTION OF THE MAXILLOFACIAL AND NECK AREA: REPORTS OF 2 CASES

A Deep Neck Infection Due to Esophageal Perforation That Was Caused by Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a very commonly performed procedure. Physicians use it as a safe diagnostic tool to evaluate patients with a wide range of problems and complaints, but it can cause several complications in few cases. Esophageal perforation is a rare complication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, but it is associated with a relatively high mortality rate. Surgical management is required in most such cases. However, medical treatment can be considered for selected patients who are without a large perforation or systemic effects such as sepsis. Deep neck abscess can develop in patients who have had difficult intubations, and this may be related to retropharyngeal trauma or unapparent perforations. We experienced a case of deep neck infection due to an esophageal perforation that developed as a complication of diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and we successfully treated this patient with incision and drainage.

Management of Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a rare but potentially life-threatening soft tissue infection primarily affecting the superficial fascial planes. The purpose of this study was to report various causes, courses of the disease, and outcomes of treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review of 12 cases treated between January 2000 and January 2004 was done. All of them were studied with CT scan and treated with intravenous antibiotics. We discussed histories, diagnostic points and treatment of each cases, and analyzed them. RESULTS: There were 9 male and 3 female patients. The age distribution was from 17 to 81 years. Three patients had diabetes mellitus, one patient was a heavy alcoholics, and one patient had Buerger's disease. Two patients were expired due to lung abscess and sepsis, but others were discharged with no complication. Wide debridement was performed in all cases. Wound reconstruction was done in two patients. CONCLUSION: Treatment consists of early diagnosis, aggressive surgical debridement and drainage of the involved necrotic fascia and tissue along with broadspectrum intravenous antibiotics coverage.

Two cases presenting thoracic complications of deep neck infection / 결핵

The incidence of deep neck infection has been reduced by modern antibiotic therapy. Life-threatening deep neck infection of odontogenic or upper airway origin may extend to the thorax. Early diagnosis, administration of the potent antibiotics, and complete debridement and drainage are essential to improve the chances for survival in these very ill patients. We report two cases of deep neck infection which were complicated by thoracic infection such as mediastinitis, pericarditis, and empyema as a result of descending infection.

Two Cases of Deep Neck Infection with Mediastinal Involvement / 대한이비인후과학회지

Deep neck space infections affect fascial compartments of the head and neck, and their contents. Acute mediastinitis occasionally occurs as a complication of neck infections resulting in neck sepsis, which spreads to the mediastinum via the cervical fascial planes, and this is best referred to as descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM). We recently experienced two cases of deep neck infection dissecting along cervical fascial planes into the mediastinum causing a virulent mediastinitis. Aggressive antibiotic treatment of the deep neck infections along with prompt complete mediastinal drainage are recommended for optimal outcome.